Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
Last updated · Reviewed by RCIC Reviewer · Review cadence 45 days
Quick answer
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship lets eligible Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents sponsor their parents or grandparents for Permanent Residence, subject to meeting a minimum necessary income over recent tax years. IRCC typically manages intake through an interest-to-sponsor process rather than accepting applications continuously.
Key takeaways
- Sponsors must meet a minimum necessary income requirement, assessed over recent tax years, that increases with family size.
- IRCC has used an interest-to-sponsor invitation process to manage limited intake in recent years.
- The Super Visa is an alternative option for visiting parents or grandparents without sponsoring full Permanent Residence.
- Sponsors sign a longer financial undertaking than for spousal sponsorship, reflecting the different risk profile.
- Processing volumes are limited, so not everyone who wants to sponsor a parent can necessarily submit an application each intake period.
Overview
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship is a family class category with income testing and limited annual intake, distinguishing it from spousal sponsorship, which has no minimum income requirement.
Eligibility
- The sponsor must meet a minimum necessary income threshold over a set number of recent tax years, which increases with family size.
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, at least 18 years old.
- The sponsor must not have outstanding sponsorship debts or certain disqualifying circumstances.
- The sponsored person must pass standard admissibility, including medical and security screening.
Requirements
Because intake has historically been limited, prospective sponsors often need to submit an interest-to-sponsor form and wait to be invited to apply, rather than applying directly at any time.
Application process
- Submit an interest-to-sponsor form during the period IRCC opens it, if applicable to the current intake process.
- If invited, submit the full sponsorship and Permanent Residence application within the given deadline.
- Provide proof of income for the required tax years.
- Complete biometrics and medical examinations for the sponsored person.
Documents
- Notices of Assessment or equivalent income proof for the required tax years
- Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates
- Police certificates for the sponsored person
- Results of a medical examination
Costs and timelines
Fees follow the IRCC fee schedule for Permanent Residence sponsorship applications, which is updated periodically and should be confirmed before payment.
Processing times are published as service standards and tend to be longer than spousal sponsorship due to limited annual intake and application volume.
Common pitfalls
- Underestimating the minimum necessary income threshold, which changes yearly and by family size.
- Missing the narrow window to submit an interest-to-sponsor form when intake opens.
- Submitting incomplete income documentation for the required tax years.
- Assuming the Super Visa is equivalent to sponsorship, when it is a temporary visa option instead.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a minimum income requirement?
- Yes, sponsors must meet a minimum necessary income threshold, assessed over a set number of recent tax years, and the required amount increases with the size of the sponsor's family.
- Can I apply any time of year?
- Historically, IRCC has managed intake through an interest-to-sponsor process with limited invitations rather than accepting applications year-round, so check current IRCC announcements for the process in effect.
- What is the alternative if I am not selected to sponsor?
- The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit for an extended period without full sponsorship, and can be a practical alternative while waiting for a sponsorship opportunity.
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Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.